Vegius is set to revolutionize vegan travel and lifestyle by connecting users with vegan-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and experiences. The global vegan food market is expected to reach $36.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2023 to 2030. If you’re considering developing a similar app, understanding the costs involved is essential. The cost to create an app like Vegius depends on various factors, including app complexity, features, development team, and location. This article breaks down the estimated cost components and considerations in detail.

Key Features Of A Vegan Travel App Like Vegius

A vegan travel app like Vegius should include essential travel app features such as user authentication, search and filter functionality, booking and reservation systems, and community engagement tools.

User Authentication And Profile Management

User authentication and profile management are fundamental to any app, as they allow users to securely log in using various methods such as email, Google, Apple ID, or social media accounts. Once logged in, users should be able to create and manage their profiles, update their preferences, and receive personalized recommendations based on their choices.

Search And Filter Functionality

A robust search and filter functionality is essential to help users discover vegan-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and experiences. The app should allow advanced filtering based on location, price, amenities, and user reviews. Integrating AI-powered recommendations will enhance the user experience by providing personalized suggestions based on past preferences and behavior.

Booking And Reservation System

The booking and reservation feature enables users to make in-app bookings directly from the platform. This includes a seamless integration with third-party booking platforms to enhance the available options. Travel apps generated over $629 billion in revenue globally in 2024. A secure payment gateway should also be implemented, allowing users to make transactions through methods like Stripe, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay, ensuring a smooth and secure checkout experience.

Reviews And Ratings

AI in travel and tourism can also be used to moderate user reviews, ensuring authenticity and filtering out spam or fake content. Users should be able to post detailed reviews, upload photos and videos, and rate businesses based on their experiences. Additionally, implementing AI-based moderation can help maintain the authenticity and reliability of user-generated content by filtering out spam and inappropriate posts.

Push Notifications And Alerts

Push notifications and alerts enhance user engagement by sending real-time updates, personalized deals, and reminders for reservations. Users should receive timely notifications about new vegan-friendly places near them, exclusive discounts, and app updates, ensuring they remain active and engaged with the platform.

Community And Social Features

Community and social features play a vital role in building a thriving user base. By incorporating discussion forums, blogs, and messaging capabilities, users can connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and exchange tips on vegan-friendly living. This feature fosters a sense of belonging among users and enhances engagement levels within the app.

Admin Dashboard

An admin dashboard is necessary for managing businesses, moderating user content, and analyzing app performance. It should include tools for business and user management, analytics to track user activity, and moderation features to ensure the platform remains a safe and welcoming space.

Support For Animal Sanctuaries

Integrating a dedicated section for supporting animal sanctuaries can boost user involvement. This feature can include donation options, showcasing the work of various sanctuaries, and gamification elements to encourage users to contribute to animal welfare causes.

Factors Influencing The Cost To Create An App Like Vegius

Factors Affect An App Like Vegius

Platform Selection

The cost of app development largely depends on platform selection. Native development for iOS and Android separately tends to be more expensive than cross-platform solutions such as Flutter or React Native. Cross-platform development allows businesses to save costs and launch their app faster by writing a single codebase for both platforms.

Development Team Composition

The composition of the development team significantly impacts the overall cost. A comprehensive team typically consists of a project manager, UI/UX designer, frontend and backend developers, a QA tester, and a marketing support team. Hiring experienced professionals ensures high-quality results but increases development expenses. The geographical location of the development team also affects costs, as hourly rates vary across different regions.

Development Approach

The development approach also determines the investment required. Custom development provides complete control over features and scalability but incurs higher costs. Businesses looking to launch quickly with a limited budget may opt for an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) first approach, allowing them to test the market and refine their app based on user feedback. Alternatively, SaaS or white-label solutions offer a cost-effective approach but limit customization and scalability.

Cost Breakdown Of Developing An App Like Vegius

Feature/Component Estimated Cost (USD)
UI/UX Design $3,000 – $15,000
Backend Development $10,000 – $40,000
Frontend Development $10,000 – $30,000
API Integrations $5,000 – $15,000
Payment Gateway $3,000 – $10,000
Push Notifications $2,000 – $7,000
Booking System $8,000 – $20,000
Reviews & Ratings $4,000 – $12,000
Community Features $10,000 – $25,000
Admin Dashboard $3,000 – $18,000
Testing & QA $5,000 – $10,000
Maintenance (Annual) $10,000 – $30,000
Total Estimated Cost $71,000 – $250,000

Choosing The Right Development Approach

Custom Development V/S No-Code/Low-Code Solutions

Custom development allows for complete control over features and branding, making it the best choice for long-term scalability. However, it is expensive and requires significant time investment. Businesses looking for a quicker launch with limited customization may opt for no-code or low-code solutions, which offer cost efficiency but lack flexibility.

Hiring A Development Agency V/S Freelancers

Deciding between hiring a development agency or freelancers also affects the cost and quality of the app. Agencies provide a full development cycle, from design to deployment, ensuring seamless integration of all features. While more expensive, they offer reliability and expertise. On the other hand, freelancers offer a budget-friendly approach but may lack coordination and consistency in development.

Additional Costs To Consider To Create An App Like Vegius

App Maintenance And Updates

Ongoing app maintenance and updates ensure that the platform remains secure, bug-free, and up-to-date with the latest operating system requirements. Businesses should allocate an annual budget ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 for maintenance.

Marketing And User Acquisition

Marketing and user acquisition are crucial for app success, requiring investments in influencer collaborations, SEO, and paid advertising, typically costing between $20,000 and $50,000 annually.

Legal And Compliance Costs

Legal and compliance costs, including GDPR adherence and privacy policies, should also be factored in, with an estimated expense of $5,000 to $15,000.

Conclusion

Developing an app like Vegius requires a substantial investment, with costs ranging from $70,000 to $250,000 depending on the complexity and features. However, with the increasing demand for vegan-friendly travel solutions, a well-developed and strategically marketed app can yield significant returns. By leveraging the right development strategy, incorporating third-party integrations, and focusing on user engagement, businesses can create a thriving platform that aligns with the values of sustainability and compassionate living.

With the growing demand for vegan-friendly travel solutions, now is the perfect time to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re looking for a custom-built app or a cost-effective MVP, choosing the right travel app development company is key to success.

Ready to build your own Vegius-like app? Partner with Appic Softwares, the experts in travel app development, AI-powered recommendations, and seamless booking systems.

Get a free consultation today and start your journey toward a thriving vegan travel platform!

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to create an app like Vegius?

The cost to develop an app like Vegius ranges from $70,000 to $250,000, depending on factors like features, platform selection, and development approach.

2. How long does it take to build a vegan travel app like Vegius?

The development timeline typically takes 4 to 9 months, depending on app complexity, required integrations, and whether you’re building a custom app or using a no-code/low-code solution.

3. Why should I hire a travel app development company for this project?

A travel app development company ensures a seamless user experience, expert implementation of AI-driven recommendations, and robust booking and payment integrations, helping you build a scalable and competitive vegan travel platform.